Shirley is the proud mother of two beautiful young ladies. She enjoys spending time with them on their ranch in the deep South with their three paint horses. Always looking for an adventure, she looks forward to hikes in the mountains chasing waterfalls, or scouring the coast for beautiful lighthouses! Shirley writes to encourage others and often times shares things that motivate and inspire her. She believes in living life to the fullest because no one is promised the gift of another day. Join her as we honor our bodies, minds, hearts, souls, and our Almighty Creator, God above!
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed of seeing everything under the sea. Flipping through magazines, eyes wide with excitement, she vowed “one day” she would! The only thing was that it required you to be able to swim. At her young age, she had little opportunity for attempting to learn how to swim as her parents never took her to the beach or even a friend’s house that had a pool or pond in their backyard. Lessons were out of the question as her parents simply could not afford it. So, she sighed, looked longingly at the pages one last time, and tucked the magazine away.
Fast forward about 20 years, and this little girl, now wearing the face of an adult, sought to make her dreams a reality. Having just lost her sister in the most tragic way possible (suicide), she vowed to fully live her life, not just for herself, but for her sister. She longed to see and experience things her sister never had the opportunity to, and swimming lessons were where she began.
When she felt ready, she embarked on the most rewarding, yet frightening, adventure of her life. While honeymooning on the Grand Cayman Islands, she enrolled in a resort course to learn how to scuba dive! Filled with excitement, her big adventures began! Once she mastered the skills required while being observed by the instructor in the hotel’s pool, they went out on a boat into the “big water.” Much to her surprise, she did not get seasick on the ride out there.
Once they found the best spot to view the coral reef, everyone on board suited up. They strapped the tanks on their backs and walked like penguins on the boat due to their fins to get to the side of the boat. Once there, they had to choose whether to back down the steps into the water OR jump in holding their masks in place with their fingers so the force of the water hitting their faces wouldn’t rip the mask off. Feeling full of thrill and wonder, she jumped into the water
~SPLASH~
In they all went, one by one, until they were all floating in the ocean. The instructor guided them all toward a chained anchor and told them to hold on to it as they made their descent approximately 40 feet below the boat. They paused briefly to give their ears a chance to adjust. If anyone had trouble getting their ears to “clear,” they were instructed to return to the boat. Sadly, one participant had to do so, and this participant was extremely disappointed, as you can imagine. However, to have continued down with the participant’s ears not adjusting could have caused damage to the ear drums. The wisest thing to do was return to the boat and wait for the others. Our lady in this story, however, was one of the lucky ones that didn’t have any problems getting her ears to adjust, thankfully.
Once down, she and the fellow adventurers marveled at the beauty that surrounded them. While the reef was not as colorful as she once envisioned, there was a whole new world with different varieties of plant life, fish, and sea turtles. Watching the sea turtle come toward her felt as if it was a dream, yet there she was in the middle of the ocean able to swim right along with it. And so she did!! The turtle was gracefully gliding through the water, and she got lost in the moment. Suddenly, she became aware of how far she had swam away from the others, and trying not to panic, she swam back to them as quickly as possible.
The thrill of this underwater adventure came to a close when a barracuda appeared. Having learned the signal for “trouble” previously, fear reflected in her eyes when the instructor gave the signal to her and another participant. Frozen in the moment, their eyes filled their masks as they waited for the curious barracuda to go on. When it didn’t, they inflated their floatation devices so they would go closer to the surface to get away. Once securely inside the vessel once more, everyone talked about their adventure under the sea and how fulfilling it was for them.
This once little girl with a big dream became an adult that made her dream a reality.
I shared a post last week regarding humans being strange creatures. Apparently, a former friend thought that post was about them, when it was not. My post was regarding my son-in-law’s friend of 20 years and what transpired between them shortly after their wedding. Regardless, this just confirms what I said about humans being strange creatures.
This former friend was going through a health crisis, and I came along side to encourage her. Later, I met her in person and made some of her wishes come true in some activities we went on which she never had an opportunity to explore before previously in life. I do not regret this visit nor the money invested at all, as wonderful memories were made when we were having a good time. There were things on that trip which left us both feeling as if improvements could have been made on both ends. Nevertheless, we exchanged comments about that visit, which I thought was in an effort to clear the air and let bygones be bygones. However, that was not the case with her. It’s sad when people have the wrong idea about you and decide in their mind something that isn’t true. I tried to fulfill some of her wishes. What I would not do is create a Go Fund Me Page for her. Maybe that offended her, too, but I have a hard time asking people to donate to a cause, especially when so many far and wide are in need. Sadly, there are a lot of people struggling with health issues. Greg’s aunt is one having an extremely hard time and may not make it to see the holidays. There is someone so very near and dear to my heart in my own family who will see the doctor in November to discuss surgery options for their health concern as well. I never told her this with what she was going through. She focused on herself, so I let her. The truth is that people every where are hurting, and we are all going through one thing or another. While I wouldn’t create a Go Fund Me Page for her, what I did do was pray for her, for her health, and for her family. I know God can help. He is the Great Physician. He can do ALL things.
What I can do also at this point in time is offer forgiveness , and I do. My heart holds no grudges and only wishes them well … today, tomorrow, and always.
We always talk about UFOs and aliens, but entertain this thought for just a minute. What if the aliens are looking down at Earth shaking their head saying, “Humans are strange creatures!” Because, the truth of the matter is that we ARE!!
This thought popped into my head as I also thought of how strange we are when we have any adversity that comes our way. Friends and family will just stop speaking to each other over a disagreement. They will avoid the person that has offended them at all cost. At times, I have been guilty of this as well if the person’s offense was extreme and toxic. However, if you’ve been friends with someone for 20 years or longer, why cut ties completely over a difference of opinion or a disagreement? Isn’t the friendship worth salvaging? If it meant something for you guys to hang on to each other for 20 years – what in the world could ever come between you all that much to cause you to just flat ignore and act like the person and friendship never existed?! Or, did you hold on to the friendship out of convenience when you didn’t have anything better to do? Did your parents tell you to remain friends all that length of time? Surely that wouldn’t have influenced the friendship to that extreme. It just puzzles me why humans do this to each other. When you once cared so much about the other, and now you act like they are not even on Earth?
Why do we do this to each other?
I can understand if someone was abusive toward you physically and you needed to put distance. Run far, far away from the abuser and never look back!! But why do this to a friend that has shared so much with you through the years?
We have all heard it said many times, and we have often said it ourselves: “Life is too short!” The truth is that life IS short, so why waste a minute of pettiness like this? Why stop talking to someone you love due to a misunderstanding or a difference of opinion? Why haven’t we grown as a society to where we can be adults and talk about how we feel, get it out, and still remain friends at the end? Now, the norm is that we express ourselves and then turn on “ignore mode.”
That is just wrong on SO many levels!!
Have I been hurt by people? Yes.
Have I been offended by people? Yes.
Has there been misunderstandings with others through the years? You bet!
Have I even been the one to hurt, offend, and misunderstand others? Yep, I sure have. That isn’t something I am proud of, but because I am human, it has happened in my life. If I’m honest, it will probably happen again through the years, even when that is never my intention.
As humans, we have feelings, and it is hard not to allow those feelings to get in the way. We can say that we’re as strong as an Oak tree, and yet something can bring us to our knees. It’s because we do feel so deeply, and that is a blessing and a curse in itself. It’s a blessing because you get to share the wonderful parts of life with others and FEEL love! At the same time, because we have loved, we made ourselves vulnerable to where we can be hurt by the very ones that love us and whom we love.
Maybe what that person said or did wouldn’t hurt so much if we didn’t care that deeply for them.
Or
Maybe if we thought they should have said or did something contrary to what they actually did, it still would not hurt as much if we didn’t care as deeply as we do.
I just believe in reaching out and extending the olive branch. Bring the confrontation, disagreement, or misunderstanding to a close by reconnecting. Agree to disagree, if you must, because we won’t always see eye to eye. That is just another human trait we possess in having our unique personalities and ways about ourselves that are different from others.
The point I’m trying to make is that life IS short. None of us know what tomorrow may bring or if there will even be a tomorrow. Why let thing continue as they are in “ignore mode.” Why not reach out and make amends?
Don’t misunderstand me here. If someone is clearly toxic, abusive, or manipulative “gaslighting” you and things of that nature, I am NOT encouraging you to reconnect with someone that seeks to harm you. I am, however, encouraging you to search your heart. If this individual means anything at all to you or has in the past, reconsider the silent treatment you’ve been giving them.
Forgiveness is also a beautiful thing.
What if the person did something you felt was just horrible for speaking up when you acted foolish or called you out on your nasty behavior? If they did it with the best of intentions and with a heart of love for you, consider that in all of this and forgive … as you would want to be forgiven.
None of us are perfect. We fail miserably at times, and you know what? At other times, we may behave the way we do because we have gotten so comfortable with the other that we think no matter what, all will be forgiven. Maybe you feel you have opened up so much to the other party that you share such a bond that nothing could ever come between you, so you speak out. You speak up. You share your heart and you give them a little piece of your mind while you’re at it. Because … you trust that your friendship, your bond, your connection is just that strong to withstand and persevere.
Then one day, it doesn’t, and you’re left wondering if you ever really meant anything to this person that now has you on “ignore mode.”
It does not take a mature person to ignore.
It takes an absolute adult with a heart of gold, though, to reach back out, let bygones be bygones, and pick that friendship back up and go on loving each other … as Christ first loved us!
Once upon a time, there was a little girl twirling around in a white dress complete with her mama’s white heels. With this huge smile on her face, she danced and oozed with excitement as she clippety clopped down the hall. This little princess was my daughter at just two years old.
The years went by way too fast for my liking, and my little princess grew into a beautiful young lady. She met her Prince Charming while in college, and they dated for four years before he popped the question. He allowed me to be in on the surprise, so we planned a “family picture day.” When his side of the family and ours arrived, we did pose for family pictures. Then, we made our way over to the pond with everyone but her knowing what was getting ready to take place. It was a clear, perfect November day with the fall leaves changing along the pond when he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.
Ah … young love!
Wedding planning for this starry eyed couple began, and I was allowed the honor of preparing for their special day yet again. It thrilled my heart how they allowed me to be such an important part of these big events in their lives. They didn’t have to include me at all in the planning phase, and yet they did! At one point, our princess said she would be happy with a courthouse wedding, she just wanted to be his wife! While there isn’t anything wrong with a courthouse wedding, I knew deep down in my heart that was not going to be good enough for my princess.
We set out looking for THE perfect dress. While stopping at this one store, the nice ladies were trying to convince my princess that one of their dresses was “the one” for her. She certainly looked gorgeous in any gown, but the reaction she had when she saw herself in the mirror was not one that indicated to me that she was in love with the dress. I was in the doghouse when I made her leave that store in order to make the appointment at 3 p.m. at another bridal store. While there, though, I pulled every style of dress off of the rack, determined to find the perfect one for her! She was a bit overwhelmed and ready to call it quits, yet I asked her to try “just” one more. When she slipped on this one dress in particular, she almost squeal with delight when she turned around and saw herself in the mirror for the very first time! THAT was the reaction I was waiting for … and she, indeed, had found “the dress” at that point. It was perfect for her, with a high price tag, too, with NINE layers of lace but together we made her dreams come true with that particular dress, complete with long veil to match, and a princess tiara, too!
Our princess was not getting bogged down in the details of the wedding planning either, she was too in love with her prince to care about anything other than becoming his wife. She said she wasn’t much of a planner, meanwhile I live and breathe in planning mode! I can’t just throw something together last minute, oh no, months in advance I’m organizing, printing programs, thinking of flowers, tulle, and other decorations for the wedding spot she chose by our pond and for the tables at the reception.
Fast forward ten months to “the” day, and our princess got her fairytale wedding! She has always loved Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and The Beast. Those were her absolute favorite Disney movies as a little girl. I remember many days of watching these movies until I could almost recite the lines word for word. It was rather fitting that she chose music from both movies as well, and it did enhance the atmosphere. The little ring bearer even commented as we waited, “That sounds like the song from Beauty and The Beast!” And … it was. His mom recognized it also, and smiled and nodded. I expected his two sisters to recognize the song, since they were dressed like little princesses themselves as our flower girls. Yet, it was the little boy making mention of the song – priceless!
Our princess personalized the music, and her prince walked down the aisle to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. He walked down the grassy strip lined with white and mint green rose petals, then he took his place in front of the wooden arch. The bridal party started making their way down one by one. The groomsmen wore gray tuxes with mint green bow ties, and the bridesmaids, carrying a bouquet of lavender, ivory, and pink flowers, wore mint green formal gowns. The song transitioned into “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen alternated until the maid of honor (Sister of the bride) and the best man walked down followed by the two flower girls and our “ring security” (ring bearer) complete with black sunglasses, briefcase, and a badge! How adorable!
And then …
The Bridal March (by The Violin Sisters) began to play, as our princess bride began to make her way down the aisle to her prince. We practiced this the night before at the rehearsal dinner, taking it ever so slow as we enjoyed the violin music on the way down. Yet, that day, her wedding day, she started out the gate like a racehorse, and we literally had to slow her down! It was quite funny, but thankfully she listened when I whispered for her to take it slow. Her granddaddy was on her right, and I was on her left. She had chosen to give us both the honor and privilege of walking her on her special day. We were extremely touched when she asked us! No, this was not the traditional way, but it was her wedding. She personalized that, too, and it was truly beautiful for her granddaddy and I to be a part of her special day. (She also picked out the dress I wore!)
When we reached her awaiting prince, my husband and my mother, the bride’s grandmother, joined us. The pastor asked, “Who gives the blessing on this marriage?” My father, her grandfather, replied, “We, as her family, do!” Then I hugged my little princess, joined hands with my father, and we made our way to our seats to watch their lives joining together as one!
It was an extremely moving ceremony. The couple chose the sand ceremony to symbolize their lives joining together, and just as you could no longer separate the grains of sand once combined in one single vase, this couple cannot be separated either now. While taking turns pouring the gray sand and the mint green sand into the vase, “I’ve Been Waiting For You” from the Mamma Mia movie played, and the lyrics moved us to tears. As if that wasn’t enough, shortly thereafter, the couple began to exchange vows they had written for each other. When the prince started speaking, his voice quivered and shook as he began to get emotional. I was doing okay up until that point, but there was no holding back any longer. The dam broke, and the flood of tears started. There is something so incredibly heart warming and special about a man not being afraid to show his emotions. He stood in front of his princess, speaking the most beautiful words from the depths of his soul and pouring out his heart as we all sat witnessing it unfold. Next, our princess shared her vows, and again, we could feel the emotions that were poured into writing these words to her prince.
As the pastor said, “You may kiss your bride,” the couple began their special handshake, which had us all smiling and laughing at that point. They sealed the deal with a beautiful kiss, though, and after being introduced as husband and wife, walked out hand in hand and heart to heart together to Sleeping Beauty’s “Once Upon A Dream.”
The festivities continued with a barbecue feast at the reception. At the prince’s request, we had the traditional Southern “pig picking” with hash and rice, barbecue meat with sauce, green beans, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, wedding cake and brownies, too! We were extremely pleased with the caterer and with the wedding cake as well! Everything was so perfect, we almost had to pinch ourselves!
After the couple cut the cake and took a variety of fun pictures, we made our way to the patio area that served as their dance floor. The couple danced their “first dance” to “I Was Made For Loving You” by Tori Kelly followed by the father/daughter dance to “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman. They added a dance especially for the bride and her grandfather as well, and they danced to “Grandpa” by The Judds. Toasts and speeches were given in honor of the beautiful couple.
The “getaway” car was none other than her granddaddy’s fully restored 1957 Chevy Bel-Air two door, hard top, and he was the chauffeur! I don’t know who was smiling wider, the couple or my daddy, as the newlyweds made their way through the “jazz” hands that formed a bridge for them to walk under! At the end, the candy apple red beauty waited, and the couple was ushered inside by the bride’s granddaddy.
Our princess did, indeed, have her fairytale wedding after all.
Our daughter got married this weekend! In the happiness of the event, we were also saddened as several of our loved ones have passed on. We so wished they were here to witness the union of our beautiful daughter and her handsome husband, and in our own unique way, we made it so. Allow me to tell you about the red roses and our loved ones …
A red rose is the universal symbol meaning “I Love You.” It proclaims beauty and also symbolizes a strong family bond, unity, harmony, faith, and hope for a wonderful future. This is the reason why we chose red roses to be placed in honor and memory of our loved ones at the wedding. It is also the reason why red roses were intertwined with the white roses on the wooden arch that the couple stood in front of to exchange vows.
The white chiffon was placed on the arch to appear like angel wings in the background, as we like to think of our loved ones who have gone on before us as angels who are watching over us now. We placed a candelabra and a sign at the wedding ceremony that said, “We know you’d be here today if Heaven weren’t so far away.” We also had a ladder style shelf with the bouquet my sister gave me when I was her Matron of Honor in her wedding years ago. We displayed some pictures below the bouquet in honor and memory of our loved ones. Pictured were: Pamela Huffman Smoak, Bradley Brunson, WadeDelle Moody, Elise R. Huffman, and Clinton Huffman, Sr. Sadly, pictures of FM Brunson and Emily Guest were not on display that day, but they will remain in our hearts forever.
Now I will share a little bit about these precious people:
Pamela is my sister & Brittney’s Aunt. Oh, Pam absolutely fell in love with Brittney before she was born and came to our house with a car full of gifts. I enjoyed seeing Pam doting over Brittney and enjoying all of her firsts with us. Brittney would laugh so hard, and Pam would smile so wide as they played together. One of my favorite memories of them together was when Pam brought over an Easter basket with colorful eggs to hide for an Easter egg hunt just for little Brittney. Pam hid all of the eggs and watched with joy as Brittney scurried around the yard looking for them. Brittney’s face would light up each time she would find one of those pastel- colored eggs. They were so full of joy and love for each other. The love between an aunt and a niece is so strong and powerful!
Bradley is Brittney’s Brother. They were fairly close in age, and they shared the same beautiful blue eyes and adorably contagious smiles! I remember Brittney crawling into the truck to help Bradley hold the gifts we gave him when we would see him. He would smile shyly back at us as he opened them. Through the years this little boy turned into a giant standing beside his sister at her high school graduation. I’ll forever remember his smile standing next to Brittney at her high school graduation! Although they would bicker like all siblings do, the love was there without a doubt even if the words were rarely spoken between them. The heart knows!
FM is Brittney’s Grandfather. FM is short for Francis Marion. “FM,” “Rufus” or “Papa” were also some of his nicknames. Although Brittney never got to meet him, Papa was there when we learned I was pregnant with her. He was so happy to hear the news! We looked forward to witnessing this gentle giant holding this little tiny baby. Sadly, he was taken from before she was born. I remember him fondly, as I loved playing in his hair. It was so fluffy and white as cotton. He was truly a kind, gentle soul, and I’ll never forget how he would tease us by making puppy dog eyes while asking, “Will you be my friend?” or how he would say “I love you.” I made sure Brittney knew him and shared some of my most favorite things about him to her while pointing him out in pictures to her through the years.
WadeDelle is Brittney’s Grandmother. WadeDelle attended field trips with Brittney in elementary and middle school, and she was one of her biggest fans when performing with God’s Copy Cats of St. George Baptist Church and also at ballet and clogging recitals. Sadly, she fell ill shortly after Dakota and Brittney started dating. He went with us to visit her while she was in the hospital, and she made a point to tell Dakota that she heard a lot of good things about him. I asked Dakota to pray right there in the hospital room. Even though I put him on the spot, he did not hesitate and went right into the perfect prayer for her. One of her signature phrases was “Oh my land!” We still use that phrase around our house today, as she is a part of our lives even still.
Elise is Brittney’s Great-Grandmother. Brittney would crawl into her lap, and together they would have the best time laughing together. She would light up when she would see Brittney, and thankfully, I have pictures of the two of them bonding and sharing memories together. Brittney was a teenager when her great-grandmother passed. We are all so thankful Brittney was not only able to meet her but truly know who she was and have memories with her through the years.
Clinton Sr. Brittney’s Great-Grandfather. Sadly, Brittney was only four years old when he passed away. Although she knows of him, she was too little to remember too much of the interactions with him. We have pictures of him at her birthday parties through those early years, though, and we treasure them! He was usually a soft-spoken man of few words that would soak in the conversations when family would visit. I will always remember the plaid shirts and Texaco hats he would wear.
Emily is Brittney’s dear friend. They “met” online and became close friends. They helped each other through some really tough times. That’s my girl, always reaching out to help others in need.
I just wanted to share little snippets of the people we honored that day. We did ask Dakota’s family for any loved ones they would like mentioned or honored during the wedding also, but his family did not wish to have anyone listed although the offer was extended several times. I realize often times bad memories may return at the mention of a loved one’s name, so we understand.
I am sure you noticed while reading this that I have purposely chose “is” instead of “was” when I referenced these precious people. The reason for this is because death cannot change who they are to us nor what they mean to us. I also choose not to say “loved” when speaking or writing about them, as in “I loved him or her” because love is eternal. Our love did not die the day they passed away. Love remains to this very day and always will. Love binds our hearts and lives together through the years and through eternity.
As Paul Harvey used to say, “And now you know … the rest of the story.”
One of my most favorite things to do is explore! I love and adore a good adventure!
Whether it’s waterfall chasing … where you can get right up next to it and feel the cool mist falling from the very top of the mountain, cascading down …
Putting around in our boat feeling the rock of the waves and having “sea legs” after you dock the boat …
Imagining what it would have been like back in the olden days at the Chapel of Ease and what this beauty must have looked like in it’s prime …
Playing in the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches 70 miles off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico …
Or walking through a place of great history where you can almost smell the gunpowder and hear the boom of the cannons…
Life is all about exploring!
It’s fun, exciting, exhilarating, and it gives you something to look forward to! When you come back from one adventure, the planning should begin for yet another. Life is boring without taking time to see what this great big world has to offer, and rest assured, there is something for everyone! Even if none of the above pictured adventures would be one you would seek out, find something that will thrill your heart and tickle you to the very core of your being … then do THAT!!
Life is too short not to get out there and take advantage of every opportunity to explore, be one with nature (or whatever your adventure might be). Just DO it … and take pictures along the way! Share your adventure and the thrill with your family and friends, take THEM with you!! The more the merrier!
Just have FUN in life … make memories … because when you’re old and gray, you will have wonderful stories to share with the grands and great grands!!
Here’s to celebrating life, love, and to all of the memories yet to be made!
Sometimes we can have the best of intentions, and yet we still fail miserably. We don’t set out to hurt anyone’s feelings or make anyone angry, but that is the end result, unfortunately. Today that happened, and it left me feeling horrible. My daughter’s wedding is in just a few days, and we want everything to be absolutely perfect for her special day. It’s a day little girls dream of their entire life. Twirling around in princess dresses, wearing plastic tiaras and fake glass slippers, one can only imagine Prince Charming coming to sweep you off your feet just like in the movies.
And they lived happily ever after …
At some point after the honeymoon phase has ended, you will want to look back on your wedding day to re-live each moment! That is when good quality pictures are going to be so appreciated. Your wedding should not be left in the hands of an amateur, but instead, a seasoned professional would be better suited for such an occasion. They will know the perfect angle and snap amazing shots of the bride and groom smiling and having the time of their lives together.
This was the basis behind my intention today when I commented about a photographer my daughter trusted for her bridal portraits. Here we are two and a half weeks AFTER her bridal portrait session without a professional picture to have enlarged to display at her reception. One picture was sent, heavily filtered and edited to the point that the green grass appeared … dead and lifeless in the pictures!! Much to my horror, too, because I worked tirelessly for months upon months getting my yard to look amazing with plush green grass and flowers popping everywhere. Imagine my shock when the edits took away from the beautiful surroundings! I commented, not realizing I was hurting my daughter’s feelings in the process. It was no reflection of her at all, but the editing style of this photographer. Honestly, when I saw the engagement shots, I had no idea of what the surroundings looked like at the location they chose at that point so it really didn’t occur to me to notice the faded, washed out look that I later learned is this photographer’s “style.” My daughter and her fiancé got engaged in November of last year, and I just assumed the surroundings in those pictures were due to the change of the seasons. Going from Fall into Winter, one would not expect to see vibrant green, so I didn’t think anything of it.
Until now.
I’m sure there are a ton of people that love the editing style this photographer chose, but I am a fan of more traditional pictures without all the heavy editing. People can take it to the extreme, and I’m sure their intentions are pure as well. The pictures can either turn out faded, as these have, or they can appear overly edited to the point that they take a muddy brown looking lake and turn it into a beach paradise as if you have been swept away to a tropical island somewhere with blue water. I honestly detest the heavy editing because it gives unrealistic expectations. I have actually been to a few of the places pictured and edited to this extreme only to be devastated and disappointed in the surroundings not looking anything like the pictures I had seen previously! A more nature look in pictures is needed and desired, so you see the true beauty of your subject, not some heavy editing or filters used to turn something into what it truly is not. In this case, it was the appearance of dead grass that turned me off immediately. You see, I had taken pictures myself that very day, and I had a “real” picture to compare the heavily edited picture to, so it really screamed at me when I saw it. Again, it’s no reflection on my daughter at all. But she took it personally, even though my intention was not to make her feel bad about her choice of photographer.
Oh boy, Mom! Now what?
Days before the wedding, and you’re insulting the photographer’s editing style! Yep!
ONLY because I want my daughter to have excellent QUALITY pictures to reflect back on in years from now. The editing style might be “in” right now and “trending,” but in years from now when the pictures typically DO fade from age … what will they be left with? That is all I kept thinking. If the images and backgrounds, their surroundings and objects in the pictures already look faded and washed out, it only gets worse as time goes on!
Ah … but there is a backup plan brewing! Mom always has a Plan B!
While we won’t have another “professional” photographer present at the wedding, there will be a lot of pictures being taken by others. We have a dear family friend on “video” duty that day, and he will also be snapping some quality pictures of his own throughout the ceremony and reception. Thank GOD for good friends with lots of TALENT, too!!
Now it’s the best of both worlds. My daughter has her photographer, and I have mine! ~grin~
Oh I’ve seen the work of this gentleman through the years, and he most definitely has an eye for photography. I am trusting him to capture the moments of the happy couple with a twinkle in their eyes and beaming smiles on their lips. THAT is what I look forward to seeing – in living, vibrant color!!
What about the missing professional bridal portraits? Again … Mom always has a Plan B in that regard as well! Those pictures I snapped the day of the bridal portrait session ended up saving the day! Literally. I took my pictures and had a 16×20 collage made for her special day, and I have a 8×10 for her bridal portrait to display at the reception! I was very pleased with the way they turned out, too, on the canvas and am excited to have them on display for all to see. Oh my “little girl” makes a beautiful bride, for sure!! So all was not lost, after all. My daughter WILL have her bridal portrait after all!
Nice “save,” Mom!!
At the end of the day, my intention is to have amazing wedding pictures for my daughter to one day show her very own children. I imagine she will want to reminisce with them, just as I have with my own two daughters about my wedding day. Long after the day is over, I want those memories sealed forever in good quality photography to be shared for generations to come!
My intentions are true, honest, and pure. I only want the best for my daughter – on her wedding day – and throughout life!
In the still quiet, do you allow your thoughts to run wild? Or do you take that opportunity to talk to God?
Do you sink back into your favorite plush lazy chair, kick your feet up and take advantage of the quiet time to relax? Or do you stay so busy that you do not allow yourself any down time?
All of these questions are definitely something to consider. If thoughts are running through your mind consuming you, and they are negative in nature, that leads to potential problems of stewing over situations where people have “done you wrong.” Does this bring you joy doing this or change the outcome of the situation? Surely neither one of these, so why allow something like this to zap your energy and take up space in your head? When negative thoughts try to creep into your quiet space, take that opportunity right then and talk to God about it. God is the only one that can make peace in those quiet moments you have alone with your thoughts. Turn it over to Him, and watch Him work wonders in your life over these hurtful situations you’ve endured.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking advantage of some leisure time to relax and rejuvenate your body and soul. However, if you stay so busy running from here or there, ask yourself what you are running from with all of your busyness. Perhaps it IS your quiet thoughts you’re trying to silence so they don’t consume you. Again, take it to God and leave it at His feet.
It’s now 20 years later. Do you still remember what happened on September 11, 2001? Have you forgotten what you vowed never to forget?
Where were you when the world stopped turning?
I was driving down the road delivering a bid for my employer when the news came over the radio. It was as if everything started moving in slow motion as I heard the announcement. I called my fiancé to see if he heard anything because maybe, just maybe the voice on the radio was mistaken. Much to my horror, I listened as the second tower was struck and up in flames.
It WAS the day the world stopped turning due to violence, terrorism, and an attack on the United States of America!
Twenty years later, we might have flashbacks of that day, or we might have to educate the young ones of the significance of this day. Maybe they learned about it in history class, or maybe they saw the look on their parent’s or grandparent’s faces as they re-lived the moment.
Now 20 years later, we’re dealing with emotions after President Biden pulled out of Afghanistan leaving a lot of our military equipment behind. We fear there will be another attack on the United States, some even fearing it would be today with the nation in mourning once again. Others feel it would be too predictable, though.
One thing is for sure, we all need prayer. The families and friends are still mourning the loss of their loved ones from the attack on this day, and although it has been 20 years, the hurt is no less felt than the day it all happened. At this time in 2001, I was dealing with the loss of my sister in July, only to have this act of terrorism occur two months and two days later. What a devastating time for our family and for our nation. We felt some comfort from those that rallied around us and others in their state of mourning, for our personal loss and the loss that shook the United States of America. One thing these tragedies had in common is they brought out the compassionate and caring nature of others. These tragedies allowed for more love to be shown, and this entire world needs more love!
Today, the world is more divided than ever. With controversy on both sides regarding the vaccines – whether to take it for the preventative nature it is intended for or whether it’s a conspiracy from the government – we are bickering and fighting each other over our individual beliefs. Race is also still a hot topic – with racism on both sides.
What if we brought back the love from 20 years ago? The compassion that was felt back then needs to be resurrected today. There needs to be more caring individuals and less fighting amongst each other. United we stand … divided we fall! Don’t we remember that, too?!
As the nation remembers, let us be the change we wish to see in the world …
Yesterday, my youngest daughter turned 17 years old. Eek!! Where has the time gone? Seriously?! It seemed like just yesterday I was begging God for my little miracle baby. He answered that prayer, and I have had the privilege of watching this six pound three oz little baby (at birth) grow into a beautiful young woman.
I remember when I was approaching the last few days of pregnancy with her. The doctor was concerned for my petite frame delivering a large baby, so he decided to schedule me for an induction. He did the same when I had my oldest daughter, so this did not came as a surprise to me. I was due the latter part of September, but here I was given a choice as to when the induction would occur. The choices were either the 8th or 9th of September, which were the days of the week he did inductions (Wednesdays & Thursdays). I remember telling my father that I wanted my baby to have her own day to celebrate her birthday. While it would be cool to have a “birthday twin,” I would not ever want my birthday to overshadow hers! She deserves her own day, and so I chose Wednesday, September 8th, as my induction day.
Arriving at the hospital with my bag, the hospital staff asked why I was smiling. I responded, “I am going to meet my baby today!” They were focused on the events that would happen prior to her birth. Meanwhile, I was more focused on the moment I would cradle my newborn in my arms. At 2:40 p.m., I knew that moment was nearing when the doctor asked if I wanted to watch my daughter’s birth. With a nod of my head, they turned the mirror, and I watched my baby come into the world at 2:44 p.m. Oh, what a glorious day!!
Fast forward 17 years, and we celebrated by taking my near adult child to eat at one of her favorite restaurants. But first … we had to make a stop by Claire’s for her second ear piercing! She has been after me for many months to let her get a second piercing. Honestly, she thought I was set against it, but that wasn’t entirely true. When she was little, she begged me to get her ears pierced, but when I did, she hardly wore the earrings. I asked her to commit to wearing earrings this time for six months, and then we would talk! (I, personally, LOVE earrings and feel naked if I leave home without them!)
She appeared confused when we arrived at the mall. I made an excuse about how I had to pick something up, and although she complained, she walked alongside me until I started to slow down in front of Claire’s. Then she knew … and a gasp of excitement escaped her lips. I told the lady what we were there for, and my daughter took her seat. She is now the proud owner of TWO ear piercings. ~grin~ She was so tickled with the thought of getting her ears pierced, and afterwards, she was taking selfies to show her friends.
We did more than just going out to dinner and getting her ears pierced, as new clothes were involved as well. Doesn’t every “girl” enjoy getting new clothes for their wardrobe? She put one item on immediately, threw her long locks over her shoulder, and strutted inside the restaurant. We took “selfies” together with the silly Snapchat filters and laughed at how ridiculous we looked in them. It was great fun! I’m glad we had this time together, and I’m glad she had HER very own day to celebrate!
I have often said SHE was one of the absolute BEST birthday presents I have ever received. For you see, her birthday is September 8th, and MY birthday is September 9th! What a gift, indeed, to be able to hold my newborn baby in my arms the very next day as I celebrated my birthday as well.
Now fast forward those 17 years, and I turned 50 years old today!! ~gasps~
Birthdays are fun, aren’t they?!
I have been enjoying a half of a century worth of precious memories, and I thank GOD for this opportunity each and every day! I recognize how TRULY blessed I am, and I pray God allows me 50 more years with my family and friends! Oh, how I pray to see my yet-to-be-conceived grandchildren grow up and look forward to my great-grandchildren as well. I’ve often said, “I want to be an old, old woman, rocking her great-great-grandchildren on my front porch.” And I still mean it today!
There is more life out there for me to live. There are places in this world I’ve yet to explore, and I want to take all the adventures I can! I want to stay active and keep pursing happiness found in the great outdoors. While my birth certificate says I’m 50 years old today, I don’t FEEL like it on the inside. I’ve been told I don’t look like it either, and for both, I am eternally grateful!
A lot of people get so depressed when they reach a milestone birthday like this. For some, they think they are “over the hill” and like there is no help for them once they hit the big 5-0. Not me, baby! I know there are people who take for granted that they have more time on this earth, and there are those who pray with all their might for more time! More time, indeed!! I am one of those people. I look forward to the adventures ahead, with my family surrounding me and accompanying me on this journey!
Here’s to 17 years … oh, do we remember 17!
And here’s to 50 years … and many, many, many more to come for us both as we enjoy our birthdays together!
This movie will only be in theaters a limited time. We cannot encourage you enough to go see this movie October 4, 5, or 6, 2021. Please click here to get your tickets.
Our world is in turmoil, and our freedom is at stake here. This timely movie touches on the liberties we were ALL given in the Constitution of the United States of America. It will take ALL of us to stand up against those in Washington, D.C. and defend our God given rights! This powerful movie will invoke you to rise up for the cause!
I was given the honor of a pre-screening of this movie, and together, my husband I watched as forces threatened to limit, restrict and completely strip parents of their rights with THEIR children. This is a touchy subject right now, with the mask argument on both sides within the school systems. It goes further than that with the controversy over the vaccine for children 12 and over. Some argue the government is trying to take our freedoms away by mandating masks and vaccines. On the other hand, many welcome the mask and vaccine mandates that are being handed down in an effort to save lives. There are arguments on both sides for and against, but at the common core is everyone’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It has been years since we’ve been in school studying the constitution, right? Maybe we all need a refresher at this time. Allow me …
The Constitution of the United States begins with three powerful words: WE THE PEOPLE. The whole meaning behind these words is simply that the government exists to serve the citizens of the United States!
Please watch this movie. Then, take action for what your heart feels passionate about!
October 4, 5, and 6th are your opportunities to see this powerful movie.
Having a retired Colonel as a boss and your own father as retired military certainly gives you a greater appreciation of those who have served our country. These great men served and then retired with honors. Both are passionate and proud of their time spent in the military.
I have close friends who agonized over their sons and daughters going into the military in years past. Many prayers were sent up during the time they served, and thankfully, they had a happy ending as my friend’s sons and daughters all returned home safely.
As things escalated in Afghanistan recently, I’ve watched my boss struggle daily. He posts his own thoughts on his Facebook page, so there is no doubt where he stands on this subject. It has certainly been a devastating blow to the United States of America. We have been shaken to our core due to the lives lost and American’s left behind in Afghanistan. Senselessly, 13 lost lives due to a suicide bomber. Thirteen beautiful individuals set out to serve their great Country, and they lost their lives at the hands of pure evil!
Scrolling through Facebook last night, I couldn’t help but see Nikki Haley re-sharing pictures of the fallen soldiers. She re-shared a look into four lives; however, all 13 were shared on Stand For America‘s Facebook page. I sat reading about each of these heroes. Looking at their pictures, with them smiling and in uniform, made my heart hurt deeply! It is one thing to “hear” of such a tragedy occurring, and yet another to put faces with the numbers reported to have lost their lives. Thank you, Stand For America, Nikki Haley, and others, for sharing so the world could learn more about these beautiful soldiers.
SSgt Taylor Hoover was the oldest among them at 31 years old. He had plans to marry when he returned. Oh my gosh, this gripped my heart and felt as if someone was trying to pull it out of my chest! My oldest daughter will marry the love of her life in 18 days. I cannot begin to imagine the devastation felt by his fiancée and their families.
All of the soldiers are important, please don’t get me wrong. I am only sharing the thoughts that went through my head as I saw their faces and read their stories!
My heart shattered to learn the others ranged from 20 years old to 25 years old. Babies!! These were all someone’s babies. My heart shattered more each time I read about their lives. Life had only just begun for them. They were out on their own in this cruel world as their mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers were back at home praying for them and their safety. Oh the sheer horror and terror they – and their families – must have felt as they watched this unfold at the Kabul airport. I cannot fathom the heartbreak as they received the knock on their doors.
I encourage you to visit Stand For America and read about these precious individuals and their lives. Put a face with a name, just as I did, and they become more than just a number plastered across the television. They were mere babies in uniform.
Tears welled up in my eyes and a lump formed in my throat as I thought of their mothers and fathers. At a time like this, all we can do is pray for them. Their babies won’t be walking back through their doors again. There won’t be any more text messages or voicemails from them. The approaching holidays will hurt even more without their loved ones.
Please pray for the family and friends of these American soldiers. Please pray for our country as a whole and for our leadership to make wiser decisions than those made recently. May God comfort as only He can at this most difficult time as these families and the United States of America mourn.
